Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Fukuoka
Population
5,015,666

Nokonoshima Island Park

Fukuoka's floating urban oasis.

Created in the 1960s by 19 year-old Kubota Kosaku, Nokonoshima Island is a self-contained Eden just across from the lively hub of Fukuoka. Well-known among locals for its beautiful kaleidoscope of flowers through the seasons, Nokonoshima also offers plenty of rustic, outdoor activities from barbecues to pottery making to camping. We salute you, Kosaku-san.

Nokonoshima Island Park

First opened to visitors in 1969, Nokonoshima was built as a place where people could appreciate the pristine nature that the land had to offer in the face of mass industrialization. Photo by gtknj.

The island is located about 10 minutes ferry ride from Meinohama port, about 20 minutes east of Hakata port. You can circle it easily on foot – it’s only 12 kilometers all the way round – and there are great views of the city looking back over the water.

There’s a playground near the bed of seasonal flowers where children can play as you nose around the food stalls. Conveniently situated near the playground is a barbeque area – perfect for getting your grill on in summer.

Take in the beauty of the scenery as it changes through the seasons, from seas of pink and white cosmos flowers in October to rows of golden sunflowers blooming after the end of the rainy season in July.

Flowers at Nokonoshima Island Park

Nokonoshima Island Park arranges flower-picking during the summer months. Photo by gtknj.

Looking for a bouquet of flowers to spruce up your home? From mid-May to late August, those who pay the regular admission fee can enter the park and take home a bunch of flowers. If you like marigolds, visit during the months of May, June, and July. Sunflowers are ready to be picked in the latter summer months of July and August.

The Nokonoshima Camp Grounds are open from May to September. The village, in the north of the island, offers ten cottages for camping, barbecue pits, and even free banana boat rentals. Be sure to book early as spots can fill up quickly, especially on the weekends and in the warm summer months. The grounds are open for reservations from April 1st.

Those interested in pottery and ceramics can also participate in the island’s rakuyaki workshop, where visitors can paint on either ash trays or plates that have been hand thrown by experts. The works, traditionally used for tea ceremonies, are removed from the kiln prematurely and left to cool in the open air.

Before you leave the island, check out the tourist centre near the port, as it offers a wide range of local eats such as the Noko Burger and fresh produce from the island itself. Restaurants also serve other local specialties, such as Noko udon, which are thin, firm noodles that can be served hot or cold, as well as Noko cider.

Things To Know

Opening Hours and Fees

The park is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00-17:30; Sundays and Holidays 9:00 to 18:30 all year round. Entrance to the park is 1000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children age 3 and above. There are group discounts available, including school trips, as well as discounts for international students.

Camping

For those of you wishing to camp on the island, the fees per person are: Adult: 5,000 yen/night, Elementary school students: 3,000 yen/night, Children ages 3 and above: 1,500 yen/night. Please check in between 15:00 and 17:00 and check out by 10:00 the following day. The limit per cottage is generally 6 people, but you may contact the camp grounds directly at +81-92-881-2494 to request a booking for additional guests.

How To Get There

Address

Nokonoshima Island, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

By bus

The island is accessible by a 10-minute ferry ride from Nokonoshima Ferry Port. The closest subway station is Meinohama Station. From there, take the Nishitetsu Bus from Meinohama-eki Kitaguchi and alight at Noko dosenba.

There is also bus that runs from Hakata Station and Tenjin Station Bus Terminal Mae directly to the port, albeit not being a part of the 100-yen bus loop.

By car

Take the Kyushu Expressway on the Dazaifu Interchange or the Fukuoka Interchange transfer to the Fukuoka City Highway. Keep driving towards Fukushige/Tenjin and exit the highway via the Atago Ramp. This should take you approximately 20 minutes. Parking at the terminal from which the ferries depart will cost you 500 yen for 1 day.

By boat

The ferry ride, one-way, costs 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children. When you arrive on the island, you will need to take another Nishitetsu bus bound for the island flower park itself. This trip costs 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children.

The ferries leave fairly regularly from both ports, but as there are only 23 trips made between the ports per day, be sure to check the schedule before leaving.


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